Santa Monica Pier
Address
Santa Monica Pier
GPS
34.00889605, -118.49739978233
The Santa Monica Pier is a wide double-jointed pier in Santa Monica, California, United States, at the foot of Colorado Avenue. It features a small amusement park, concession stands, and viewing and fishing areas.
Quick facts
- Name: Santa Monica Pier
- Location: Los Angeles, USA
- Type of attraction: Pier
- Opened: 1909
- Ticket price: Free
Built in 1909, The Santa Monica Pier was the West Coast’s first concrete pier. It quickly acquired a reputation among locals as Santa Monica’s best fishing spot. The Looff Hippodrome was opened in 1916, now a National Historic Landmark and home to a beautiful carousel, built in in 1939. In 1941, they unveiled the iconic neon sign of Santa Monica Yacht Harbor.
Today, this is one of the most popular and recognizable landmark of Los Angeles and favorite gathering for both locals and visitors. The Pier was featured in many movies.
Even in modern times, fishing off the Santa Monica Pier is a very common activity. The Looff Hippodrome, which is now a National Historic Landmark, first opened its doors in 1916, while the world’s most famous carousel didn’t debut until 1939. It wasn’t until 1941 that the iconic Santa Monica Yacht Harbour neon sign was revealed to the public; today, it’s still one of the most popular places in Los Angeles to take a selfie.
The Santa Monica Pier can be found near Santa Monica State Beach, in the area that bears its name, the Santa Monica Pier Area, and in the Ocean Avenue neighbourhood. There are quite a few hotels in the area, in addition to tourist destinations on Ocean Avenue and in Downtown Santa Monica.
It may take a while to get a parking spot around Santa Monica Beach depending on the time of year and the time of day. The parking lot is located at the bottom of the ramp on the Pier itself, making it the most convenient option.
There is additional parking available in Lot 1 North, which can be found directly to the north of the Pier. Alternate modes of transportation make it simple to get to the Santa Monica Pier and beach. To get to Santa Monica Pier without any hassle, you may either walk there, rent an electric bike or scooter, or use the free, on-demand shuttle service that Santa Monica provides.
Visit the Santa Monica Pier Shop & Visitor Centre to pick up visitor brochures, maps of the surrounding area, and branded gear, as well as to get advice and suggestions from the friendly and knowledgeable staff. Try your hand at a historical walking tour if you’re up for the exercise. Discover hidden areas of the Pier, go to the world-famous Original Muscle Beach, and listen to tales of notable people who have stopped by.
Interesting facts about Santa Monica Pier
Here are some interesting facts about this famous landmark:
- The La Monica Ballroom was located on the pier in 1924 and was the largest ballroom in the US, able to hold more than 10,000 visitors.
- The Santa Monica Pier is susceptible to the California weather phenomenon called “June Gloom”.
- The Ferris Wheel on Santa Monica Pier is solar powered.
